Can Lighting Installation: What to Look for in Your Home

Thinking about adding can lights to your home? Proper can lighting installation makes a big difference in how your space feels and functions. At Gloudeman Electric, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “airport runway” style setups that happen when lighting is done without the right planning.

Here’s what you should know before hiring someone to install can lights.

Spacing Matters

One of the most common mistakes we see is poor spacing. Too many can lights can overwhelm a room, while too few leave shadowy pockets where light doesn’t reach. The key is balance.

Andrew showing an example of TOO many recessed lights installed! "If you have a square room, you should match the shape of the room."

Can lighting should feel like an accessory—enhancing the style and shape of the room without overpowering it.

Align With the Room’s Shape

Your lights should flow with the layout of the room. For example, in a square room, can lights should mirror that square shape instead of being placed in random lines. An electrician who understands design will make sure the layout looks intentional and stylish.

Avoid the “Tape Measure Only” Approach

When installers rely only on a tape measure, the result can look more like star charts than lighting.

At Gloudeman Electric, we use formulas that calculate the correct number of lights for the size of the room. This prevents both over-lighting and under-lighting.

Choose Quality Fixtures

Not all can lights are created equal. We recommend:

• High-quality LED can lights that last longer and run cooler

• Fixtures designed for insulated ceilings, so insulation isn’t removed or compressed during installation

• Recessed lights that are efficient, durable, and won’t burn out prematurely

  
  

Cheap fixtures may save money upfront but often lead to early failure, wasted energy, and replacement costs down the line.

Final Thoughts

The right can lighting installation adds style, function, and value to your home. Poor installation, on the other hand, can leave you with uneven lighting, wasted energy, and fixtures that fail too soon.

At Gloudeman Electric, we make sure your recessed lighting is installed to code, designed to complement your space, and built to last.

Considering can lighting for your home? Contact us today and let’s create a lighting plan that makes your home shine.

P.S. If you enjoy the photos of Andrew above, check him out live in action on the Nextdoor Neighborhood app and on Instagram for his informational videos!

What to Know About EV Charging at Home

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? Or maybe you already own one and are exploring home charging options? At Gloudeman Electric, we get this question all the time, and for good reason: your home’s electrical setup makes a big difference in how convenient and practical EV ownership feels.

Here are a few key things to consider before (and after) buying an EV.

Charging Options: Station vs. Home

When it comes to charging, you have two main options:

1. Public Charging Stations – Great for topping off while on the road, but not always convenient to rely on every day.

2. Home Charging – The most convenient option, but the speed depends on your panel’s capacity and the type of charger you install.

   
   

Home Charging Levels Explained

Level 1: Standard Outlet (120V)

• Uses a regular household outlet.

• Full charge takes 24–40 hours.

• Works in a pinch, but too slow for most drivers who use their car daily.

  
  

Level 2: Mid-Grade (30 Amp Circuit)

• Provides 6–8 hours for a full charge.

• Perfect if you can plug in overnight and don’t mind waiting until morning.

  
  

Level 2: High Capacity (60 Amp Hardwired Circuit)

• A dedicated hardwired line to your charger.

• Provides a full charge in 3–6 hours.

• Best option for families who rely solely on EVs and need quicker turnaround.

  
  

Why the Right Outlet Matters

Not all outlets are created equal. A stove outlet may look similar to an EV plug, but it’s not designed for the constant, long-duration loads of EV charging. Using the wrong receptacle could lead to overheating, melting, or even fire hazards.

EV-Rated Outlet

Always make sure your EV outlet is EV-rated, either confirmed by the emblem on the plug or documentation provided by your electrician.

Don’t Forget Surge Protection

One detail that often gets overlooked: EV chargers are electronic devices. Most manufacturers even recommend installing a surge suppressor at your breaker panel. This doesn’t just protect your home—it protects your new EV charger and your vehicle’s sensitive electronics from South Carolina’s frequent storms and power surges.

Final Thoughts

Installing an EV charger at home isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your panel’s capacity, your daily driving habits, and your long-term EV plans. At Gloudeman Electric, we help homeowners choose the right setup, ensure it’s installed safely, and add the protection needed to make it last.

Considering an EV or need an EV charger installed? Give us a call—we’ll make sure your home charging station is safe, efficient, and ready for the road ahead.

Do I Really Need a Surge Protector in My Home?

It’s a question we hear all the time: “Do I really need a surge protector?”

The short answer is no, you don’t need one to keep your home running. But surge protection is one of those upgrades that pays for itself many times over by protecting your home’s electrical system and extending the life of your devices.

At Gloudeman Electric, we like to explain it this way: a whole-home surge protector isn’t just for storms—it’s a filter that shields your system from the small but constant electrical surges that happen every single day.

Where Do Power Surges Come From?

When most people think about power surges, they imagine a lightning strike during a summer storm. While that can certainly cause damage, especially in an area like Charleston where lightning storms are prevalent, there are other kinds of surges that come from inside your home.

Here are some common sources of internal surges:

• Your HVAC system kicking on

• A refrigerator or other appliance cycling power

• Utility power switching

• Motor-driven equipment starting up

  
  

Every time this happens, it sends a mini voltage spike throughout your system.

Why Does It Matter?

Today’s homes are filled with sensitive electronics—smart thermostats, appliances, laptops, TVs, even your oven clock. These constant micro-surges slowly wear down the delicate components inside your devices. That’s why you may notice things like:

• Light bulbs burning out too quickly

• Dimmers failing prematurely

• GFIs (ground fault interrupters) tripping or wearing out sooner than expected

  
  

Surge protectors absorb those spikes so your devices don’t have to.

The Benefits of a Whole-Home Surge Protector

Installing a surge protector won’t perform miracles—but it can:

• Extend the lifespan of your appliances and electronics

• Reduce costly replacements for things like HVAC components, TVs, and computers

• Give you peace of mind during storm season and year-round

  
  

Think of it as an insurance policy for your electrical system.

Our Recommendation

While you don’t technically need a surge protector, we consider it a very worthwhile investment for almost every homeowner in Mount Pleasant. With the amount of lightning and utility switching we see in South Carolina, it’s one of the simplest ways to safeguard your home’s electrical system.

At Gloudeman Electric, we install high-quality whole-home surge protectors that connect directly to your panel, giving your entire house a layer of protection.

Ready to protect your home? Give us a call today—we’ll help keep your family and electronics are safe.